Plaid Cymru reaction to new drug death statistics

Plaid Cymru’s Shadow Minister for Social Justice and Housing, Leanne Wood AM, said: “Today’s figures which show that deaths from drug misuse are at an all-time high are a damning indictment of the so-called ‘war on drugs’.

"These figures are shocking, and the situation is made even worse when we know these deaths could have been prevented.

“These figures come after more than a decade of austerity, massive cuts to support and preventative services, and the Westminster government’s refusal to follow evidence-based advice such as the safe, staffed drug consumption rooms advocated by Plaid Cymru’s North Wales police and crime commissioner Arfon Jones. This isn’t likely to get any better under the new Home Secretary.

“I want Wales to have full control over all of the levers that affect drugs policy so that we can adopt a harm reduction approach which keeps people safe and alive.

“There are many other examples of countries throughout the world, such as Portugal, that have accepted that any ‘war on drugs’ is futile, and have taken a different, much more effective approach. I want Wales to be able to learn from them.”

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About Leanne

As I look around the Rhondda, I am reminded that if we keep doing the same thing we will get the same results. As the AM for the Rhondda, I am committed to policies that will provide solutions to our problems. There is no problem that cannot be solved. My vision for the Rhondda includes a plan to create jobs, to support and improve public services and to make the Rhondda and Wales a better place for all of us to live.